Seven Srikakulam Railway Stations Officially Shift to New South Coast Railway Zone
In a significant administrative restructuring, the Railway Board has formally accepted the inclusion of seven railway stations from Palasa to Icchapuram in Srikakulam district into the newly established South Coast Railway Zone. This strategic move redefines the operational jurisdiction of these critical stations along the Chennai-Howrah line.
Details of the Station Transfer
The seven stations affected by this decision are Palasa (PSA), Baruva, Jadhupudi, Summadevi, Sompetaw, Mandasa Road, and Icchapuram (IPM). Previously, all these stations were part of the Khurda Road Railway Division under the East Coast Railway Zone. They have now been officially transferred to the Visakhapatnam division, which has effectively replaced the former Waltair Division in the new zonal structure.
This transfer places all seven stations, which are geographically located within Srikakulam district, under the administrative umbrella of the South Coast Railway Zone. The Chennai-Howrah line, a major arterial route for passenger and freight traffic, runs through these stations, making their jurisdictional alignment crucial for operational efficiency.
Ministerial Advocacy and Official Orders
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, highlighted that the inclusion of the Palasa-Icchapuram section into the Khurda Road division's revised jurisdiction came after persistent representations to the railway ministry. "I have been advocating for this change since the announcement of the new South Coast Railway Zone," stated Minister Naidu, emphasizing the local and regional importance of the decision.
He confirmed that formal instructions have been issued by the Railway Board to the General Managers of both the South Coast Railway and the East Coast Railway, ensuring a coordinated transition. The Railway Board's orders specifically revise the jurisdiction under the proposed South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone.
Official Communication and Authority Decision
In the official communication, Executive Director (E and R) Rameswar Meena detailed the partial modification approved by the competent authority. "It has now been decided to also include the Palasa-Icchapuram section, currently under the Khurda Road division of the East Coast Railway, in the proposed Visakhapatnam Division of the South Coast Railway," the order states.
This directive underscores a deliberate administrative realignment aimed at optimizing railway operations and enhancing service delivery in the region. The integration of these stations into the Visakhapatnam Division is expected to streamline management and improve connectivity under the new zonal framework.
